The simplicity, the hybrid nature and the effectiveness of planning standards make them a still influential tool within the transformation processes of the Italian territory. Being differently declined according to a variety of settlement, administrative and political contexts, standards have generated multiple estates. However, as a whole, they have produced a rich and widespread heritage of artefacts, often through policies aimed to extend the state property and capture the land income. Today, this heritage is an important legacy, but it is affected by problems of maintenance, use, redefinition of adjacent lots and management methods. The essay traces the parable of planning standards, and discusses two work perspectives in order to prefigure the near future of this tool.
Keywords: Planning standards; urbanization; town plans